John Travolta’s ownership of a Boeing 707-138B, originally acquired by Frank Sinatra, is set to take a historic turn as the aircraft embarks on a journey to Australia for restoration. This iconic jet, recognized for its unique short-body design, will be restored by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
Travolta, known for his roles in films such as „Grease“ and „Pulp Fiction,“ has been an avid pilot since age 22 and owns eight jet licenses, including one for this Boeing model. Built in 1964, the aircraft served with Qantas and Braniff International Airways before Sinatra purchased it in 1972. Travolta acquired the jet later, utilizing it for personal travel while repainting it in Qantas colors as a nod to its origins.
Due to rising costs and regulatory changes, Travolta decided to donate the aircraft to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society, which operates two museums dedicated to preserving Australia’s aviation heritage. The logistics of transporting the jet, originally stationed in Georgia, proved complex, ultimately leading to a decision to disassemble the airplane for maritime transport.
Recently, the disassembled aircraft was seen being loaded onto a ship at the port of Brunswick, with an expected arrival in Port Kembla, New South Wales, anticipated by early May 2026. Upon arrival, it will be transported to Shellharbour Airport. Reports indicate that the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society plans to return the aircraft to a „taxi condition,“ with a possibility of it flying again, although no specific timeline for the restoration has been disclosed.
Once the restoration is completed, there will be opportunities for the public to view the iconic jet alongside other significant aircraft, including a Boeing 747-438 known as „The City of Canberra,“ which holds historical significance for being the first 747-400 to fly nonstop from London to Sydney.
